Spring Clean volunteer numbers exceeds charity's expexctations

More than 30,000 across Scotland took part, with activities going on in every local authority area.

Running from March 17 until 17, April, the environmental charity had initially hoped for 20,000 sign-ups for the four-week event.

However, expectations were smashed with time to spare as the challenge ended with a grand total of 30,305 people signed up across more than 1,700 events in every local authority across the country.

Volunteers rolled their sleeves up, grabbed their gloves and litter pickers, and joined in events up and down Scotland to help tackle the litter emergency and help improve their local area.

Spring Clean 2023 was organised in association with the Great British Spring Clean and this year also saw the launch of the Litter League competition where seven trophies were up for grabs for the youngsters who collected the most litter.

Once again, the charity hosted a series of Live Lessons covering topics such as wildlife, the history of spring cleaning and the three Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). A fantastic turnout across this week of events saw more than 5000 pupils from every local authority area taking part from 654 schools.

Barry Fisher, Keep Scotland Beautiful chief executive, said: “We know that Scotland is facing a litter emergency and so we need everybody to do their part and help us clean up Scotland.

“Our target of 20,000 sign-ups was beaten with time to spare and the total figure shows that there is so much recognition that there is work to be done and the time to act is now.

“We know the size of the task in front of us and this year’s Spring Clean has given everyone at Keep Scotland Beautiful even more encouragement to continue doing what we’re doing. Collaboration and teamwork will be key to tackle the litter emergency and every effort, no matter the size, will make a difference.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to every single person, community group, school, business and organisation who took part in this year’s Spring Clean.”

While the 2023 Spring Clean Scotland may be over, you can still help clean up Scotland. Why not organise a litter pick with friends, family, workmates or your wider community? Or find one to join in with on the charity’s Clean Up Scotland map: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/community-and-place/clean-up-scotland/clean-up-scotland-map/